Donate to end Dependence for Refugees

We continue to be inspired but how much people can achieve if given the opportunities to manage for themselves.

In June 2024 on a field visit to Nairobi, Kenya we saw once again the amazing determination of refugees to improve their lives and achieve some self-reliance. Refugees in the city live an uncertain existence, worrying about documentation as well as how to provide for themselves and their families.

The beneficiaries in the Nairobi program receive training in business skills as well as assistance with setting up small businesses.

There was no doubt that the training is thorough and that everyone we met appreciates the improved security that comes from having their own income.

We met beneficiaries from an earlier funding cycle as well as recent graduates. Some had been affected by a loss of business during the Covid pandemic. However, with the resilience and determination we see through all the projects REI supports, they have picked up and are rebuilding their business. Some have remodeled, some have had to start again but they all keep positive because the skills they acquired are still with them.

Food, hairdressing and tailoring are the most popular areas of work and, even in these areas, we saw a diversity of skills. From a butcher’s shop to a vegetable stall to a barber shop to designing rental gowns; each one is different.

The business training skills that are taught are impressive and we heard how they help with setting up and running their business. Some comments from the people we met:

“After going to class I got some tips and knowledge about how to run a business, how to get profit and the likes. Now, after one year, I am running this business and it's really a plus."

“When running the first shop I had not learned to concentrate on the business. Sometimes I would be late opening because of talking to friends and not concentrating on the business. Through the training I learnt to be more responsible and manage well.”

“I learnt about record keeping. How much money I have to spend on materials and how much I am supposed to earn from it. I didn't know this before the training.”

“Through knowing the skills and the knowledge I gained, I can look at YouTube and see what people are doing. I can understand and learn and do it myself here.”

Your donations can change someone’s life. Thank you.